If you’re looking for help — for yourself, a veteran you love, or anyone struggling with mental health — this page is your comprehensive guide. Every resource listed here is free or low-cost, available 24/7 or during business hours, and provided by reputable organizations. You are not alone, and help is available right now.
This resource guide was created in memory of Ronnie McNutt, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran who served in Iraq and died by suicide on August 31, 2020. Ronnie’s story reminds us that behind every statistic is a person who deserved better support. These resources exist so that no one has to face their darkest moment alone.
Immediate Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text: 988
- Veterans: Press 1 after calling 988
- Spanish: Press 2 after calling 988
- Available: 24/7, free, confidential
- What to expect: Trained counselors who listen without judgment and help you create a safety plan
Veterans Crisis Line
- Call: 988 then press 1
- Text: 838255
- Chat: veteranscrisisline.net
- Available: 24/7 — you don’t need to be enrolled in VA care
- What to expect: Responders trained in veteran-specific issues including PTSD, military sexual trauma, and combat-related mental health challenges
Crisis Text Line
- Text: HOME to 741741
- Available: 24/7, free
- What to expect: Text-based counseling with a trained crisis counselor
SAMHSA National Helpline
- Call: 1-800-662-4357
- Available: 24/7, 365 days a year, free, confidential
- What to expect: Information, referrals, and support for mental health and substance use disorders
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
- Call: 1-866-488-7386
- Text: START to 678-678
- Available: 24/7
VA Mental Health Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive mental health services for eligible veterans:
VA Mental Health Programs
- Website: mentalhealth.va.gov
- Services include: Individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, PTSD treatment, substance use treatment, and inpatient care
- Enrollment: Apply for VA health care
Image: MesserWoland via Wikimedia Commons | Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
VA PTSD Resources
- National Center for PTSD: ptsd.va.gov
- PTSD Coach App: Free mobile app for self-management of PTSD symptoms — available on iOS and Android
- Evidence-Based Treatments: CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), PE (Prolonged Exposure), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
VA Suicide Prevention
- Website: VA Suicide Prevention
- Annual Reports: Veteran Suicide Data and Reporting
- COMPACT Act: Provides emergency suicide care for veterans in acute crisis regardless of VA enrollment
Vet Centers
- Services: Readjustment counseling, bereavement counseling, military sexual trauma counseling
- No enrollment required — any combat veteran can access services
- Find a Vet Center: vetcenter.va.gov
National Mental Health Organizations
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Website: nami.org
- Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Programs: Peer support groups, education, advocacy, helpline
- Infographics: Mental Health by the Numbers
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
- Website: afsp.org
- Programs: Out of the Darkness Walks, research funding, education, advocacy
- Safe Messaging: Guidelines for talking about suicide responsibly
Mental Health America (MHA)
- Website: mhanational.org
- Screening tools: Free online mental health screenings
- Resources: Education, advocacy, community programs
Veteran-Specific Organizations
Team Red White & Blue
- Mission: Building community through physical and social activity
- Programs: Running clubs, community events, online community
- Website: teamrwb.org
The Mission Continues
- Mission: Veterans serving communities
- Programs: Service platoons, fellowships, community impact projects
- Website: missioncontinues.org
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
- Mission: Advocacy and peer support for post-9/11 veterans
- Programs: Quick Reaction Force, policy advocacy, community building
- Website: iava.org
Image: U.S. Army USARC / Calvin Reimold | Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Give an Hour
- Mission: Free mental health services for veterans and military families
- Website: giveanhour.org
Headstrong Project
- Mission: Free, confidential mental health treatment for post-9/11 veterans
- Website: getheadstrong.org
Cohen Veterans Network
- Mission: Mental health clinics for veterans and military families
- Website: cohenveteransnetwork.org
Training Resources: Learn to Help
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
- What: Evidence-based suicide prevention training for anyone
- Website: qprinstitute.com
Mental Health First Aid
- What: 8-hour course teaching how to help someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis
- Website: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
PsychArmor
- What: Free courses on military culture, veteran mental health, and suicide prevention
- Website: psycharmor.org
Data and Research
- VA: Veteran Suicide Data and Reporting
- VA: 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (PDF)
- American Progress: Gun Suicides Among Military Members
- PMC: Facebook and Suicidal Behaviour — Scoping Review
- SD Suicide Prevention: Veteran Statistics
- PhilArchive: Suicide, Social Media, and Artificial Intelligence
- NAMI: Mental Health by the Numbers
Safe Messaging Resources
Remember: Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve support, and it is available right now.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans can press 1 for specialized support.
